Among fans of the Toronto Raptors, Vince Carter remains a legend.
On Thursday, the Raptors unveiled new city edition jerseys for this season with an homage to Carter and his iconic between-the-legs dunk from the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk contest.
The new jersey design, dubbed “Toronto’s Finest,” features the Raptors logo posed in the same mid-air motion. The design also includes retro claw pinstripes —- as seen on the team’s day one uniforms —- and Carter’s name and number, 15, on the back.
Greatness Inspired Greatness🦖
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) November 14, 2024
30th Anniversary City Edition Jerseys Now Available pic.twitter.com/PxtY7KTHKC
The jersey was released to commemorate the Raptors 30th year in the NBA.
Carter, 47, played for the Raptors from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2002 to 2003. During his career with the Toronto team, Carter averaged 5.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals. While he was a team member, the Raptors made the NBA playoffs every year.
Last month, Carter was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame. He also became the first Raptor to have his jersey, number 15, retired following a ceremony at Scotiabank Arena.
In a press release, Carter said the newly released jersey, as well as his induction and jersey retirement, have made for “an incredibly meaningful” year.
“To be able to watch a Raptors game with the team wearing a jersey with a logo inspired by me is beyond anything I could have imagined and I appreciate the tribute very much,” he said.
The current Raptors team lineup will reportedly wear the Carter inspired jerseys during their Nov. 21 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Raptors president and vice-chairman Masai Ujiri said the Raptors 30th anniversary “is a season to celebrate the people and moments who have made this franchise who we are.”
“Is there a better example of that feeling than the image of Vince’s unbelievable dunk? It reminds us that we can inspire. It allows us to dream of flying,” he continued. “It is proudly Toronto. And this uniform is unique in the league – just like the team and fans who will proudly wear it.”
For a limited time, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) will host an installation showcasing the Carter inspired uniform from Nov. 14 to Nov. 17. The installation, which includes a gold statue of the Raptors mascot in Carter’s 2000 NBA Slam Dunk contest pose, can be viewed as part of the museum’s regular admission.
The franchise has already revealed its new classic jersey, a replica of the team’s old purple uniform from the early 2000s.
Earlier this month, a giant mural depicting Carter during his 2000 dunk contest performance was unveiled at the intersection of Queen and Duncan streets.
